Type: Girls,
Junior and Senior
Address:The Abbey
School, Kendrick Road, Reading,
Berkshire RG1 5DZPostcode: RG1
5DZRegion: Berkshire (see also
London – Outer)
Telephone: 0118
987 2256
Website:
www.theabbey.co.uk
Gender: Girls
Pupils: 1052,
Upper sixth 84
Fees: £2490-£4020
Enquiries: the
Registrar
Description:
Founded in 1887
and moved in 1905 to a site within
easy walking distance from Reading
town centre. It has its own playing
fields and recently-upgraded
buildings, including a new art and
humanities building. The junior
school and early years centre are on
their own sites nearby. It is a C of
E school and, while girls of all
faiths or none are accepted, all
join in morning assemblies. The IB
Diploma is now offered as an
alternative to A-levels. Academic
standards are high and examination
results very good. Music, sport and
drama are particularly strong, with
events and productions involving
many members of the school in some
capacity. The Duke of Edinburgh’s
Award flourishes and there is a
range of overseas trips and
extra-curricular clubs.
School Head:
Headmistress: Mrs Barbara E Stanley,
appointed 2002. Educated at Glenlola
Collegiate School, Co Down, and at
universities of Belfast and
Leicester. Previously Principal at
Alexandra College, Dublin,
Headmistress of Bedford High, Deputy
Headmistress of Channing, Head of
Geography at St Bernard’s Convent,
and held other posts at Forest
School, Devizes School and Glenlola
Collegiate School. Also on Church
council and is a school governor;
member and speaker, Corrymeela
Community (N Ireland Reconciliation
Community); executive member, NI
branch of Assistant Masters’ and
Mistress’s Association (AMMA) and
representative on NI Council for
Educational Research. Head of Junior
School, Mrs Carol Ryninks. Teaching
staff: 140 plus 24 visiting staff.
Results: GCSE: On
average, 109 pupils in upper fifth,
all gaining at least grade C in 8+
subjects. A-levels: 83 in upper
sixth. 85% take AS/A-levels, passing
an average of 3.1 subjects; 15% take
the IB, gaining a mean of 38 IB
points.
Furtherhigher:
All sixth-form leavers go on to a
degree course (30% after a gap
year), 12% to Oxbridge. 18% take
courses in medical professions, 30%
in maths, science and engineering,
38% in humanities and social
sciences, 8% in expressive arts eg
art, drama, theatre and textiles, 6%
in business management.Sport:
Sport: Hockey,
netball, gymnastics, dance,
athletics tennis, rounders, swimming
compulsory. Options: Synchro
swimming, diving, keep fit,
aerobics, golf, judo, fencing,
cricket. Teams successful in
regional competitions. GCSE and
A-level may be taken. Activities:
Pupils take silver and gold Duke of
Edinburgh’s Award. Community service
optional. Extensive programme of
clubs including music, sports,
drama, debating, sailing, public
speaking, chess, art, science,
Christian Union, Italian, dance.
